Pakistan deny SA a series whitewash
● Proteas let down by shaky batting display in final T20 match
South Africa made a mess of a seemingly negotiable job as they lost to Pakistan by 27 runs in the third and final T20 clash in Centurion on Wednesday night and in the process missed out on a series whitewash.
Made to chase a par target of 169, the Proteas were bowled out for 141 as Pakistan saved themselves from the embarrassment of losing all three T20s.
They finished what was a tough tour on a happy ending like the guy who proposed at the end of the match.
For the Proteas, who won this series 2-1, the old batting frailties reared their ugly heads – some of the players will have to get their limited overs act together during the Momentum One Day Cup, which starts this weekend.
SA stand-in captain David Miller won the toss and elected to field and the fast bowlers did their job in restricting Pakistan to 168/9, with Beuran Hendricks registering his careerbest figures of 4/14 in his four overs.
With the exception of halfcenturion Chris Morris (55) and Rassie van der Dusssen (41), the SA batting lineup crumbled from the beginning of the chase as they lost Reeza Hendricks (5) and Janneman Malan (2) inside two overs.
The Proteas never recovered and went on to lose Heinrich Klaasen (2).
He continued to struggle with the bat and was caught by Shoaib Malik at mid-off from Mohammad Amir’s first delivery.
SA’s mission of rebuilding their innings was disturbed when Miller (13) was caught and bowled by Shadab Khan in the 11th over and he was soon followed by Van der Dussen.
Shadab was pumped up and he returned to wreak havoc later by trapping Andile Phehlukwayo in front for just 10 runs as SA sunk deeper into trouble and needing a further 89 off 42 to win.
Reeza Hendricks and Lutho Sipamla followed in the closing stages as Pakistan ensured that they could leave our shores with some smiles.
Beuran Hendricks was the Proteas’ star with the ball as he returned with four wickets.
He was followed by Morris with two while Phehlukwayo and Sipamla, who claimed his maiden international wicket, returned with one each.
Muhammad Amir was the star player for Pakistan with three wickets, while Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf helped themselves to two each.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Imad Wasim took one apiece. –